Open AccessMultiphysics design and experimental verification of a quad‐band dichroic mirror for deep space ground stations
Author(s) -
Pasian Marco,
Formaggi Marco,
Bozzi Maurizio,
Carli Fabio,
Perregrini Luca,
Philippou Glafkos,
Dauron Guillaume
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
iet microwaves, antennas and propagation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.555
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1751-8733
pISSN - 1751-8725
DOI - 10.1049/iet-map.2012.0437
Subject(s) - dichroic glass , dichroic filter , optics , multiphysics , antenna (radio) , ground plane , grating , projector , nasa deep space network , computer science , engineering , electronic engineering , physics , spacecraft , finite element method , aerospace engineering , electrical engineering , wavelength , structural engineering
This study presents the multi‐disciplinary approach used to study a quad‐band dichroic mirror to be installed in the European Space Agency deep space antennas. Traditional electromagnetic (EM) analyses based on a uniform plane wave incidence were augmented by advanced numerical techniques to investigate the impact of the dichroic mirror on the overall antenna performance. In addition, along with the EM design, a parallel study considering mechanical, thermal and power‐handling aspects allowed their impact on the EM behaviour of the dichroic mirror to be evaluated. This comprehensive study permitted an optimum design to be achieved for the dichroic mirror, which accounts for the actual operational conditions of the mirror itself when installed in the antenna. The device was manufactured and measured, verifying also the mechanical and thermal theoretical predictions, obtaining an excellent agreement between simulations and experimental results.